Dubai Airports, in collaboration with Mawaheb, has unveiled a striking new exhibition at Dubai International (DXB) that highlights the creativity of artists with determination and reinforces a shared commitment to inclusion.
The exhibition, located in Terminal 1, features 12 canvases created by artists from Mawaheb, a Dubai-based art studio dedicated to People of Determination. Travellers are invited to engage with the works and the personal stories behind each piece, offering fresh perspectives on art, resilience, and community.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community, reflecting a wider national push to promote inclusivity across public life and cultural platforms.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports and a Mawaheb Ambassador, said the exhibition challenges assumptions about disability and creativity.
“The artwork on display challenges perceptions, shifts mindsets, and leaves a lasting impression on the millions of travellers who pass through our airport,” he said. “It’s a powerful reminder that every individual has a unique story to tell, and a voice that deserves to be heard.”
Wemmy de Maaker, Founder and Managing Director of Mawaheb, said the platform not only elevates the voices of the artists but also demonstrates the transformative potential of inclusion.
“This exhibition is a testament to the incredible talent and spirit of our artists. We are so grateful to Dubai Airports for providing such a phenomenal platform for their work. Seeing their art displayed in one of the world’s busiest international airports not only gives them a voice but also inspires a sense of possibility in everyone who sees it,” she said.
The partnership between Dubai Airports and Mawaheb began in 2017 and has since grown into a model of cultural and social collaboration. Griffiths, who was named a Mawaheb Ambassador earlier this year, praised the artists for their “raw expression” and “fearless use of colour.”
The works include a mix of abstract, figurative, surrealist and pop-art pieces. Highlights include Kieran Carter’s Shapes of My Mind, Reikha Kaplani’s Fluttuante, and Marwan Al Khaja’s gold-leafed Prezioso. Other standout works feature Leila’s Lillies by Leila Murgian, Elegance by Saad, and Picasso-inspired creations by Faran Imitiaz and Namrata Pagarani.
Additional pieces include Richard Gillam’s Punk 2, Zaid Jafar’s The Light Inside Me, Sean McLennon’s Behind the Wall, and Nitin Bablani’s vibrant 1000 Shades. Each canvas conveys a deeply personal narrative, offering travellers the chance to reflect on diverse experiences of creativity and identity.
Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest hubs globally with more than 80 million passengers annually, now provides not only a transit gateway but also a cultural encounter. For Mawaheb, the exhibition underscores its mission: creating opportunities for artists with determination to showcase their voices on a global stage.
